Probate & Estate administration in Massachusetts
Attorney Chanise Anderson
- 500 E Washington St, North Attleborough, MA 02760
Based on 100+ Select Reviews
Guiding Families Through Every Step with Clarity, Compassion, and Confidence
Losing a loved one is never easy — and handling their estate can feel overwhelming. From court filings to creditor notices and tax returns, the Massachusetts probate process can be complex and time-consuming. You don’t have to go through it alone.
At The Law Offices of Chanise Anderson, we help families across Massachusetts navigate probate and estate administration with efficiency and care. Whether your loved one left a will, a trust, or no plan at all, we ensure the estate is settled properly, assets are distributed correctly, and every legal requirement is met.
We proudly serve clients in Boston, North Attleboro, Worcester, Springfield, and throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — offering both in-person and virtual guidance during this important process.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the court-supervised legal process that validates a will and oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s assets. The probate court appoints a personal representative (formerly known as the executor) who is responsible for managing the estate, paying debts, and distributing assets according to the will — or, if there is no will, according to Massachusetts intestacy laws.
While probate ensures fairness and oversight, it can also delay asset distribution and create unnecessary expenses if not handled correctly. Our goal is to simplify the process, reduce delays, and protect your family’s privacy and peace of mind.
Streamline the Estate Administration Process Efficiently
Don’t let administrative hurdles tie up your loved one’s legacy for years. We provide clear, structured legal guidance to accelerate the probate process, resolve creditor claims, and distribute assets smoothly.
The Massachusetts Probate Process
Although every case is unique, most estates follow these general steps:
1. Filing the Petition
We prepare and file the necessary paperwork with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court to begin the process and officially appoint the personal representative.
2. Validating the Will
If a will exists, the court reviews and verifies its validity. If there is no will, the estate proceeds under Massachusetts intestacy statutes (M.G.L. c.190B).
3. Notifying Heirs and Creditors
The personal representative must notify heirs, beneficiaries, and known creditors, and publish a legal notice in a local newspaper as required by law.
4. Inventory and Valuation of Assets
We help identify, appraise, and document all assets — including bank accounts, real estate, investments, vehicles, and personal property — ensuring accuracy for the court and beneficiaries.
5. Paying Debts and Taxes
All legitimate debts, funeral expenses, and applicable state or federal taxes must be paid before distributions can occur. We work closely with accountants and tax professionals to ensure compliance.
6. Distributing Assets
After debts are settled, remaining assets are distributed according to the will or, in the absence of a will, by Massachusetts intestacy law.
7. Closing the Estate
Once all tasks are complete, we prepare the final accounting and petition the court to close the estate, releasing the personal representative from further duties.
Types of Probate in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers several types of probate depending on the size and complexity of the estate:
- Informal Probate – A streamlined process for straightforward estates where all interested parties agree. Typically completed within months.
- Formal Probate – Required for contested wills, complex estates, or when disputes arise between heirs or creditors. Court hearings may be necessary.
- Voluntary Administration – Available for small estates valued under $25,000 (excluding a vehicle), allowing a simplified process without full probate proceedings.
We help you determine which option fits your situation best and handle all filings and communication with the court on your behalf.
Responsibilities of a Personal Representative
Serving as an executor or personal representative comes with serious legal and fiduciary duties. Common responsibilities include:
- Locating and safeguarding estate assets
- Opening an estate bank account and maintaining records
- Notifying heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
- Paying valid debts, taxes, and expenses
- Filing the Massachusetts and federal estate tax returns, if applicable
- Keeping detailed financial accounts for the court
- Distributing property according to the will or law
- Closing the estate formally through the probate court
We guide personal representatives step-by-step to ensure compliance, reduce stress, and prevent costly mistakes.
When There Is No Will (Intestate Estates)
If your loved one passed away without a will, Massachusetts intestacy laws determine who inherits their property. The law prioritizes surviving spouses and children, followed by parents, siblings, and other relatives.
We assist families in:
- Petitioning the court to appoint a personal representative
- Identifying legal heirs
- Collecting and managing estate assets
- Handling creditor claims
- Distributing property in accordance with state law
Even without a will, we can help you protect your loved one’s estate and ensure a fair and lawful resolution.
How to Avoid Probate in the Future
Many families seek to avoid probate for their own estates to save time, money, and privacy. We help you plan ahead using:
- Revocable Living Trusts – Transfer assets directly to beneficiaries without court involvement.
- Joint Ownership & Beneficiary Designations – Simplify transfers on accounts, vehicles, or real estate.
- Payable-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Accounts – Streamline bank or investment transfers.
- Deeds with Life Estates or Nominee Trusts – Transfer real property efficiently while maintaining control during life.
During estate administration, we also review opportunities to restructure remaining assets to minimize future probate exposure for your heirs.
Navigate Massachusetts Probate with Confidence and Ease
Settling an estate while grieving is an overwhelming burden. We guide executors and families through the complex Massachusetts probate court system, handling the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
Common Probate Challenges
Even well-planned estates can face disputes. We handle:
- Contested wills or claims of undue influence
- Creditor disputes and debt verification
- Executor misconduct or removal proceedings
- Missing heirs or unclear beneficiary designations
- Title transfers and real estate complications
Our role is to resolve these issues efficiently and protect your family’s inheritance while maintaining respect and professionalism during a sensitive time.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Chanise Anderson
- Massachusetts Probate Expertise – In-depth understanding of the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code and local court procedures.
- Hands-On Guidance – We manage every step, from filing to final distribution, so you can focus on your family.
- Compassionate Counsel – We approach every case with empathy, transparency, and a focus on reducing stress.
- Efficient Resolution – We work proactively to minimize court delays and prevent unnecessary conflict.
- Comprehensive Support – Our firm not only handles probate but also helps you design trusts and estate plans that avoid it in the future.
Our role is to resolve these issues efficiently and protect your family’s inheritance while maintaining respect and professionalism during a sensitive time.
Click to contact our Probate & Estate administration lawyer today
Speak with a Massachusetts Probate and Estate Administration Attorney
If you’ve recently lost a loved one and need guidance through the probate process, we’re here to help.
Contact The Law Offices of Chanise Anderson to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through your responsibilities, manage the court process, and protect your loved one’s legacy — efficiently and compassionately.
Serving families across Massachusetts — including Boston, North Attleboro, Worcester, Springfield, and the South Shore.